Implement carrier

ABSTRACT

A relatively wide, winged field implement has transversely aligned tool-carrying wing sections hinged together on a vertical axis so that the wings can be swung to a longitudinally extending position behind the propelling tractor to facilitate transport, particularly over roads and through gates and the like, draft transmitting members extending from the outer ends of the wings to the main implement frame being connected to the main frame by latch means which can be controlled by the operator from his station on the tractor.

I United States Patent [151 3,654,999 Fischer 451 Apr. 11, 1972 s41IMPLEMENT CARRIER 2,787,477 4/1957 Melroe ..280/41 1.1 2,828,597 4/1958Moore.... ..l72/456 [72] Inventor. Raymond C. Fischer, l-lmsdale, 111.2,966,219 12/1960 Frenchm "W172 45 6 [73] Assignee: InternationalHarvester Company, Chicago. 3,169,027 9 5 Oefman- 56 lll. 3,302,9562/1967 Sosal1a.... ..280/41 1.] 3,428,333 2/1969 Nelson... .....l72/456[221 1970 3,523,699 8/1970 Sinkule et al. ..172/311 [21] Appl. No.:3,702

Primary Examiner-Robert E. Pulfrey Assistant Examiner-C. W. Hanor US.Cl. 1, Att rney N el Artman [51 Int. Cl. ..A01b 65/02, 860d 1/18 57ABSTRACT [58] Field of Search ..l72/31l, 456, 649, 662, 673,

72/446 477 47 479 48 5 7 49 51 A relatively Wide, winged implement hastransversely 1 /35 44. 1 4 1 1 412 4 3 aligned tool-carrying wingSeCtlOHS hinged together 01'] a vertica] axis so that the wings can beswung to a longitudinally ex- [56] References Cited tending positionbehind the propelling tractor to facilitate transport, particularly overroads and through gates and the UNITED STATES PATENTS like, drafttransmitting members extending from the outer ends of the wings to themain implement frame being con- 3,539,0l6 1 H1970 Bauer et a1 ..172/311nected to the main frame by latch means which can be com 3,1223 10 2/1964 French -172/456 trolled by the operator from his station on thetractor. 2,974,737 3/1961 Dlugosch ..l72/456 3,194,578 7/1965 Kiecker..16/35 2 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures PATENTEDAPR H 1972 3.654.999

sum 1 [IF 3 IN VENTOR RAYMOND C. FISCHER PATENTEDAFR 1 1 I972 SHEET 2 0F3 vv5- TOR RAYMOND C. FISCHER rmmmnm gzz I I -3.s54.9sa9 sminsura IINVENTOR RAYMOND c. FISCI-ER.

IMPLEMENT CARRIER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates toagricultural implements and particularly to field cultivators and thelike. More specifically, the invention concerns relatively wide, wingedimplements. Winged implements are well known, and also wellknown is theproblem of transporting such implements. Usually the wings are centrallyhinged and sometimes extra width is provided by the addition of otherwing sections to the outer ends of the main wing sections, the hingeallowing the sections to be swung rearwardly into alignment with thetractor for transport. This conversion of the implement from operatingto transport position and back has required considerable time and efforton the part of one or more operators, particularly in removing andreplacing the draft connections extending between the implement mainframe and the wing sections, and in manually shifting the wings betweenthe two positions.

The present invention has for its object the provision of an improvedwinged implement and novel means for converting it from its wide-spreadoperating to an in-line transport position.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a winged implementwherein connectors are provided on the implement main frame to which theflexible draft cables from the wing sections are connected, theconnectors being shiftable from one position during operation of theimplement to another position for transport while retaining the cableconnection therebetween and the wing sections.

Another object of the invention is the provision of novel draftconnecting means between the wing'sectionsof an implement and the mainframe wherein the connecting means is locked to the main frame in theoperating position by means which is releasable by the operator from hisstation on the tractor so that the wings can swing to theirtransportposition automatically when the propelling tractor is advanced.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic plan view of therear end ofatractor to which is connected a winged implementincorporating the features of this invention, with the implement showninits operating position;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of the structure shown in FIG. 1 withthe wing sections in their folded non-operating or transport position;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic enlarged rear elevation showing the arrangementof parts of the raised and folded implement as in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged diagrammatic side elevation of a portion of thestructure shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the latch structure shownin FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged detail of a portion of the wheel mountingstructure for the main wing section for the castering position of thesupporting wheel; and

FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6 showing the locked position thecastering wheel assumes when the implement has' been folded fortransport.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT The implement shown in thedrawings is a peg-toothed harrow designated by the numeral 10 and isadapted for connection to the drawbar 1 1 of a tractor having laterallyspaced rear drive wheels 12 and a conventional operators station, notshown.

The implement 10 comprises a main supporting frame 13 The implementframe .13 also includes-a triangular rear portion 20 comprisingforwardly diverging bars 21 and 22 the rear ends of which are aperturedfor pivotal mounting on axle 18. Forward frame portion 14 isstrengthened by the provision of forward and rearward braces 23 and 24,respectively.

The rear end of frame portion 20 is affixed to a bearing 25 the axisofwhich, in the operating position of the implement as indicated in FIG.4, is tilted rearwardly from the vertical.

Bearing 25 carries a hinge pin 26 upon which are mounted arms27and 28affixed to the adjacent rear ends of a pair of tool carrying main wingsections 29 and 30, respectively. Each of the main wing sections29 and30 is a conventional pegtoothed harrow frame-structure and each includesa forward frame bar'31, upon which is mounted a forwardly extendingsupporting wheel assembly 32, and-has mounted at its outer end a bearing33 extending longitudinally of the direction of travel in the operatingposition of the implement, as shown in FIG. 1, and carries a-pivot pin34 upon which is mounted a clevis 35 secured tothe inner end of a framebar 36 forming part of an outerwing section -37, supported by anotherforwardly extending wheel assembly 38.

During operation ofthe implement in the position of FIG. 1,

draft is transmitted to the main wing sections 29 and 30 by theprovision of draft transmitting members in the fonn of flexible cables39 anchored at their rear ends to the outer ends of forward frame member31, and by flexible cables 40 anchored at their rear ends to the outerportions of forward frame members 36 of outer wing sections 37.

The forward ends of each pair of draft cables 39 and 40 on oppositesides of the implement are connected, respectively to the mainframe 13through the intermediary of a pair of connector members in the form oftubular arms 41, the forward ends of the cables being secured to lugs 42affixed to the forward ends of the connector arms.

Arms 41 function as levers the rear portions of which are mounted onpivot pins 43, a portion 44 of each connector extendingrearwardly beyondsaid pivot. Thus, it should be clear that connector arms 41 are capableof swinging about the vertical pivots 43 from the operating position ofFIG. 1 to the implement transport position of FIG. 2. The-connector arms41 are releasably locked in the operating position of FIG. 1 by theprovision of latch means indicated at 45 comprising a curved flexiblespring steel member 46 centrally affixed to brace 23.

The outer ends of member 46 are bent rearwardly and provided with areverse bend to form at each end a latch 47 having a forwardly angledcam portion 48, clearly shown in FIG. 5. The latch 47 at each end ofmember 46 is receivable in the open forward end of each of the tubularconnector arms 41.

When the implement is to be converted from the operating position ofFIG. 1 to the transport position of FIG. 2, the earth working unitsformed by the main wing sections 29 and 30 and the outer sections 37 arefirst lifted to the dotted line position of FIG. 4'by the provision of ahydraulic cylinder 49 anchored at one end to a lug 50 affixed to therear end of bar 17 of forward main frame portion 14, and at its otherend to bar 22 of rear main frame portion 20. Fluid under pressure issupplied to cylinder 49 through hose lines 51 from a conventional fluidpressure source, not shown, on the tractor and under the control of thetractor operator. Contraction of the hydraulic rarn or cylinder 49swings the rear frame portion 20 and implement wing sections 29,30, and37 upwardly about the axis of shaft 18. This shifts the hinge pin 26from the solid line tilted position to the dotted line substantiallyvertical position of FIG. 4.

Latch means 45 is under the control of the tractor operator and each ofthe latch members 47 is made accessible by the provision of ropes orcables 52 connected to the ends of cam portions 48.

having a triangular forward portion 14 the forward end of The tractoroperator pulls cables 52 against the bias of which carries a hitch pin15 for pivotal connection of the implement to the drawbar 11. Therearwardly diverging bars 16 and 17 of forward frame portion 14 areprovided with openings at their ends to rotatably receive an axle 18upon the ends of which are mounted supporting wheels 19.

spring 46 to withdraw and release latch 47 from the end of eachconnector arm 41. A hydraulic cylinder 53 connected between theextensions 44 of connector arms 41 is then actuated. This cylinderreceives fluid under pressure through hose lines 54 from the samesource, not shown, as cylinder 49.

Cylinder 53 is retracted, which swings connector arms 41 outwardly, asindicated in phantom lines in FIG. 2, allowing the implement wings toalso swing rearwardly. The tractors forward motion will complete thefolding of the wing sections until the tension on draft cables 39 and 40are tight, at which time the arms 41 will be in the position of FIG. 2,and cylinder 53 will have shifted from a location rearwardly of pivot 43to a location just forwardly thereof. Extension of the cylinder 53 andthe subsequent forward travel of the tractor will then complete theswing of arms 41 and of the implement wing sections to their transportposition.

In the operating position, in order to facilitate proper trailing of theimplement when turning, the wheel assemblies 32 and 38 are of thecastering type. Each outer wheel assembly 38 comprises a support 55affixed to and projecting forwardly from frame bar 36 and carrying abearing 56 in which is rotatable the upper end of a spindle 57 carryingat its lower end a wheel 58, as shown in FIG. 1.

Each inner wheel assembly 32 comprises a supporting member 59 affixed toand extending forwardly from frame bar 31 and having secured to its enda bearing 60 in which is rotatable the upper end of a spindle 61carrying at its lower end a wheel 62. Since wheels 58 and 62 caster,turning the implement as at the end of a field is accomplished withoutthe wheels scuffing over the ground.

Further, in the operating position of the implement, outer wing section37 is capable of floating vertically relative to main wing section 29about the axis of pivot pin 34 to accommodate the outer wing to changesin ground contour. Each of main wing sections 29 and 30 are also mountedfor floating movement relative to rear frame portion 20 by the provisionof a longitudinally extending pivot pin 63 affixed to the inner end ofwing 29 and rotatably receivable in a bearing 64 affixed to bearing 25.

The substantially vertical position of hinge 26 in transport facilitateshorizontal swinging of the implement sections between operating andtransport positions, and to maintain the attitude of the implement onside slopes in transport, the castering inner wheel assemblies 32 on themain wings 29 and 30 are provided with means whereby the wheels 62 arelocked. For this purpose an enlarged flange member 65 is affixed to theupper end of bearing 60 and forming part of a ratchet mechanism 66including a mating flange member 67 having a hub portion 68 splined toand slidably received on spindle 61 and having a V-shaped notch 69adapted, upon swinging of wheel 62 to the transport position of FIG. 2,to receive a V-shaped lug 70 on flange member 65, the locked positionbeing shown in FIG. 7. The parts are yieldably held in this position bythe provision of a coil spring 71 confined between flange 67 and acollar 72 abutting a spring tension adjusting nut 73 on the threadedupper end of the spindle.

Upon reconverting the implement from its transport position to theoperating position of FIG. 1, cylinder 53 is retracted to swingconnector arms 41 outwardly, and as the implement wing sections swinghorizontally, and before the operating position of the implement isreached, ground resistance against wheels 62 will overcome the springload on latching mechanism 66 and the wheel will again become acastering unit with the parts as shown in FIG. 6.

As the connector arms 41 swing forwardly as cylinder 53 is retracted, apair of springs 80, as best shown in FIG. 4, having one of theirrespective ends attached to a spring mounting member 81 secured to therearward brace 24 and having their other ends attached to the extensions44, will bias connector arms 41 past the dead center position and placethe cylinder rearwardly of pivots 43. Upon extending the cylinder 53,the conversion to field operation will be completed when the end of eacharm 41 engages and rides up the cam face of member 48, depressing spring46 until latch members 47 snap into the hollow end of each arm. Cylinder49 is then extended to lower rear frame portion 20 and the implement isagain ready for field operation.

What is claimed is: 1. A transversely elongated implement adapted forattachment to a tractor comprising, a main frame with supporting wheelsmounted for rotation along atransverse axis, a pair of implementsections transversely aligned in their operating position, centrallongitudinal hinge means pivotally mounted on said main frame along saidtransverse axis, means carried by said main frame and connected to saidcentral longitudinal hinge means for pivoting the latter relative to theformer, means pivotally connecting the inner ends of said implementsections to said hinge means for horizontal swinging rearwardly fromsaid operating position to a transport position substantially parallelto each other and to the direction of travel of the implement, drafttransmitting members extending between said main frame and the laterallyouter portions of said implement sections, means in the connection ofsaid draft members to said main frame accommodating said rearwardswinging of the implement sections while maintaining the connection ofsaid draft members between the main frame and said implement sectionsunimpaired, and wherein implement supporting wheels are mounted on saidimplement sections, the axis of said implement supporting wheelscorrespond to said transverse axis when said implement sections are intheir operating position, means mounting said implement supportingwheels for castering and yieldable means provided preventing casteringin the transport position of said implement sections, said yieldablemeans being yieldable by the forces acting on the wheels when theimplement sections are swung to their transport position.

2. A transversely elongated implement adapted for attachment to atractor comprising, a main frame with supporting wheels, a pair ofimplement sections transversely aligned in their operating position,central longitudinal hinge means pivotally mounted on said frame, meanscarried by said main frame and connected to said longitudinal hingemeans for pivoting the latter relative to the former, means pivotallyconnecting the inner ends of said implement sections to said hinge meansfor horizontal swinging rearwardly from said operating position to atransport position substantially parallel to each other and to thedirection of travel of the implement, ground engaging wheels carried bysaid implement sections, draft elements mounted on the forward portionof said main frame and flexible members connecting said draft elementsto said implement sections, said draft elements being movable rearwardlyupon swinging of said implement sections rearwardly to maintain theconnection of said flexible members between said draft elements and saidimplement sections in the transport position thereof, said draftelements comprise a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extendingbars pivotally mounted about vertical axes on said main frameintermediate their ends, the forward ends of said bars being secured tothe main frame by latch means when in the operative position, ahydraulic jack connected at opposite ends to the rear ends of said barsand operative when expanded and contracted to swing said pair of barsabout their vertical axes.

1. A transversely elongated implement adapted for attachment to atractor comprising, a main frame with supporting wheels mounted forrotation along a transverse axis, a pair of implement sectionstransversely aligned in their operating position, central longitudinalhinge means pivotally mounted on said main frame along said transverseaxis, means carried by said main frame and connected to said centrallongitudinal hinge means for pivoting the latter relative to the former,means pivotally connecting the inner ends of said implement sections tosaid hinge means for horizontal swinging rearwardly from said operatingposition to a transport position substantially parallel to each otherand to the direction of travel of the implement, draft transmittingmembers extending between said main frame and the laterally outerportions of said implement sections, means in the connection of saiddraft members to said main frame accommodating said rearward swinging ofthe implement sections while maintaining the connection of said draftmembers between the main frame and said implement sections unimpaired,and wherein implement supporting wheels are mounted on said implementsections, the axis of said implement supporting wheels correspond tosaid transverse axis when said implement sections are in their operatingposition, means mounting said implement supporting wheels for casteringand yieldable means provided preventing castering in the transportposition of said implement sections, said yieldable means beingyieldable by the forces acting on the wheels when the implement sectionsare swung to their transport position.
 2. A transversely elongatedimplement adapted for attachment to a tractor comprising, a main framewith supporting wheels, a pair of implement sections transverselyaligned in their operating position, central longitudinal hinge meanspivotally mounted on said frame, means carried by said main frame andconnected to said longitudinal hinge means for pivoting the latterrelative to the former, means pivotally connecting the inner ends ofsaid implement sections to said hinge means for horizontal swingingrearwardly from said operating position to a transport positionsubstantially parallel to each other and to the direction of travel ofthe implement, ground engaging wheels carried by said implementsections, draft elements mounted on the forward portion of saId mainframe and flexible members connecting said draft elements to saidimplement sections, said draft elements being movable rearwardly uponswinging of said implement sections rearwardly to maintain theconnection of said flexible members between said draft elements and saidimplement sections in the transport position thereof, said draftelements comprise a pair of laterally spaced longitudinally extendingbars pivotally mounted about vertical axes on said main frameintermediate their ends, the forward ends of said bars being secured tothe main frame by latch means when in the operative position, ahydraulic jack connected at opposite ends to the rear ends of said barsand operative when expanded and contracted to swing said pair of barsabout their vertical axes.